Watch out for wild weather this weekend

There could be high winds and heavy rain on the Coromandel this weekend, as MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch over much of central and northern New Zealand.

MetService says there is a high risk of thunderstorms that could be severe, with potential for "damaging wind squalls in excess of 110kmh and possibly one or two damaging tornadoes" to areas including the Coromandel.

The weather system is forecast for the Coromandel overnight Friday to before dawn on Saturday.

MetService's Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms but it doesn't mean 100% they will happen.

Stay on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

Waikato Regional Council is also advising people keep a watchful eye on the weather and they have put their regional hazards team on alert.

"Be aware of the potential for heavy winds to cause problems, and for rain to cause rapidly rising rivers, particularly around Taupo and the Coromandel. And that rain could bring slips so be careful on the roads," says Waikato Regional Council's regional hazards team leader Dave Lovatt.

There could be a succession of bad weather fronts following each other over the next three days, the regional council says.

ENDS

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